What is swine influenza? Swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that regularly cause outbreaks in pigs. There have been reports of serious illness and deaths due to swine flu in Mexico, but the recently confirmed cases in the United States have been mild.

Domestic workers, labor leaders, and employers from around the state are demanding passage of legislation that would provide labor protections for more than 200,000 domestic workers currently employed in private homes in New York City.

As news reports about swine flu become more prevalent, it is important to understand the disease and know the latest information. Below are links to leading health websites providing the most up-to-date information about this disease.

In the meantime, it is important to remember that the most effective way to fight any disease is through prevention. Basic prevention strategies include:

And in keeping with the theme of the day, Ms. Savino (D-North Shore/Brooklyn) sponsored the visit of several Staten Island Girl Scout troops to the state capital, calling it a "serendipitous" confluence of events on a day that highlighted gender-equality legislation.